In what proved to be the tale of two halves the Waves played well enough and caught enough breaks to escape with the victory.
“Houston did a really good job in the first half. They worked hard and made it difficult for us said head coach Tim Ward.
The second half was a completely different story. In the 55th minute, the Cougars were called for a foul inside the box giving the Waves a penalty kick opportunity. Reilly stepped up and blasted the ball just inside the right post for what turned out to be the game-winning goal. The co-captain has two goals in as many games. Reilly has also scored at least one point in all four of the Waves’ games this season, including assists against Marquette and Kansas and a game-winning goal on Aug. 30 at Tennessee.
In the second half I thought we did a really good job of applying the things we talked about at halftime Ward said. We upped the pressure and our possession got better. I thought we created the more dangerous of the chances in the match and fortunately we earned a penalty kick.”
Reilly’s goal was all the Waves (3-1) needed to secure their third win of the season. Thanks to freshman Roxanne Barker the team tallied its second consecutive shutout.
Sophomore Michelle Spacciapolli led all players with her three shots two on goal while fellow sophomore Myriah Stockman and freshman Kasey Kanada each added one.
“I’m really proud of our girls Ward said. When you don’t play your best and you still find a way to win a game that’s a really good sign especially for a team as young as ours so that is very encouraging.”
With a tough non-conference schedule lined up the Waves will take a win any way they can get one.
“We decided at the start of this season we’d take an ugly win versus a pretty loss any day Ward said.
Pepperdine will be back in action as the Waves play host to Hawaii on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
